The Science Behind Our 5 Point Rating System

Our 5 point rating system is approached in a manner that is simple, direct and easily quantifiable to allow for the equal application of criteria across all genres. Each review is based on 5 basic elements which we have categorized as acting, story, audio/visual, scare-factor and originality. With each category having the potential of earning 1 point, each review has a total earning potential of 5 points.

ACTING: The general performance of the combined actors has the potential for earning a total of 1 point. The score is assigned in increments of 50 percent. For example, poor acting may earn 0.0, good acting may earn 0.5 and great acting may earn 1 whole point.

STORY: The overall story and how it has been told by the writer and director, the plot, character development, and general believability are all taken into account and have the potential for earning a total of 1 point. The score is assigned in increments of 50 percent. For example a poor story may earn 0.0, a good story may earn 0.5 and a great story may earn 1 whole point.

AUDIO/VISUAL: The cinematography, graphics, ambiance, special effects, soundtrack and audio are all considered and have the combined potential for earning 1 point. The score is assigned in increments of 50 percent. For example poor audio/visuals may earn 0.0, good audio/visuals may earn 0.5 and good audio/visuals may earn 1 whole point.

SCARE-FACTOR: Whether it’s jump-out-of-your-seat scary, or a slow psychological think piece, the overall scare-factor is taken into consideration and has the potential for earning 1 point. The score is assigned in increments of 50 percent. For example a mild scare-factor may earn 0.0, a high scare-factor may earn 0.5 and a maximum scare-factor may earn 1 whole point.

ORIGINALITY: Acting, story, audio/visual and scare-factor as described above will also all be scored for originality with the potential for earning a combined 1 point. The score is assigned in increments of 50 percent. For example an unoriginal effort may earn 0.0 while a unique and original effort may earn as much as 1 whole point.

TOTAL SCORE: The total score is calculated by simply adding the overall score for all 5 categories. While we calculate the rating by scoring and combining these 5 separate categories, only the total score is displayed as a simple 5 point rating.